What kind of lighting is needed at a wedding: main points and nuances

When decorating a banquet hall or restaurant, newlyweds mainly use the services of decorators and florists. They, in turn, offer classic solutions - decor of tables, chairs, and a podium.

If you complement the decor of the hall with lighting fixtures, the room can be transformed beyond recognition. Let's look in detail about the light that is used at a wedding.

Candles

Candles of all kinds and types are a classic wedding attribute. Simple, effective, budget-friendly and romantic. Candles can complement the basic lighting of a wedding reception or be the only lighting at some stages of the celebration (the newlyweds' first dance, the removal of the cake, or the final remarks of the newlyweds).

Candlesticks

For more interesting effects, think about what you will arrange the candles in, insists the website www.svadebka.ws. Perhaps you have many candlesticks in the same style that you place throughout the room. Or maybe you can decorate your wedding with arrangements with floating candles or hang candles on chains or ribbons.

Tips for decorators

• When installing lighting fixtures to decorate the room, follow a pre-thought-out composition . Light should be scattered symmetrically across key areas. The main emphasis is on the presidium and the area at the young people’s table. Next, a uniform symmetrical distribution of light as you move away from the center of the composition (to the dance floor area (the central area of ​​the event), then to the walls and ceiling).
• When arranging lighting fixtures, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of the seating plan for guests . Under no circumstances should the devices shine into the guests’ eyes or obscure their view;
• You cannot install the light opposite mirrored and reflective surfaces ; there is a high probability that the beam will be reflected into the hall and disturb the guests;
• Don’t forget about the simplest and most effective option for decorating with light - wall lighting . You can place spotlights symmetrically along the walls of the hall. When installing, the beam is directed at a slight angle or placed at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the floor. This technique is easy to perform and will transform the room overnight. But do not forget that black, dark brown, dark blue colors can “absorb” light. It is better to point the spotlights at light surfaces;
• Guest tables can be decorated with candles , glowing flower vases, and accessories with LED lighting;
• Collaboration . interaction between the lighting technician and the hall decorators will be very important ;
• Do not use fluorescent lighting . This immediately catches your eye and begins to irritate;
• You should not use devices that flicker frequently if you want to create the effect of changing colors - use smooth, barely noticeable tints of color . It is worth refraining from a large number of colors in the design; it is better to choose two or three colors that contrast with each other and work with them;
• If you are having an outdoor wedding or an off-site registration in the park, decide in advance the issue of power supply and connection to it . To avoid interruptions in operation, it is better to power the lighting through a surge protector into a separate outlet. You might need an extra 10-20 meters of extension cord;
• When connecting in a banquet hall, you should know in advance the capabilities of the hall in terms of sockets . Agree on the allocation of several sockets for surge protectors on which you will install light;
• If you are decorating the area with candles on stands or candlesticks, it is best to use deep models. If you use thick, massive candles, it is worth placing stands under them so that paraffin does not flood the tablecloths and other decorative elements;
• It is advisable to save a specially selected range for events such as “the first dance of the newlyweds” and “wedding cake” . This is done in order to highlight with color these really important moments in the evening’s program.

For disco:

• Place lighting fixtures on special stands . This will allow you to raise them above the dance floor, increase the coverage area, the light will not get into the eyes and disturb the guests while dancing;
• It is better to place a stand with lighting out of reach of guests , so that by accident the touched stand does not collapse;
• During the presenter's program, it is better to turn off the disco equipment . Switched on devices can confuse the presenter, guests and young people. If after the next interactive event the guests want to continue the disco, we turn on the devices again.

Candelabra

A candelabrum is a somewhat pretentious accessory that is not suitable for every wedding. However, at luxurious celebrations or weddings in the style of the Victorian era, the candelabra will be a wonderful decoration for the hall, photo zone and lounge.

Who is organizing?

For a budget wedding, the newlyweds can develop a plan themselves and decorate the hall with candlesticks, organize small romantic corners with vintage lanterns and candles of various sizes.

If your financial situation allows you to hire specialists, then the choice is great: modern wedding salons provide the services of lighting artists who will not only develop an individual design for the room, but will also give you the opportunity to choose from several options for their works presented in the portfolio.

All kinds of garlands

Essentially, a garland is a combination of light bulbs with interesting candlesticks. Choose original shapes of garlands (flowers, balls, angels, etc.) or make garlands yourself from vines, strands, etc.

Lanterns and lamps

Antique lamps and lanterns will create a special flavor at a wedding. They look very impressive and are ideal for fairytale and historical weddings. The only problem is that it is difficult to select a large number of identical lamps. On the other hand, you can use several types of lanterns to decorate banquet tables, photo booths, and lounge areas.

About the rental price

The average cost of renting a set of lights for a wedding ranges from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles per day (meaning a set of light and music for dancing).

Kits with an expanded set of devices (for example, including a smoke machine or additional spotlights) will cost from 5,000 to 20,000 rubles / day.

It is important to consider that for rooms of different sizes, different numbers of lighting devices will be required . Therefore, it is worth consulting with a lighting technician in advance before ordering a kit.

Attention! It is worth keeping in mind that additional fees may apply for delivery, lighting technician visits and installation of equipment. Please clarify this before concluding a contract.

Rental of illuminated letters (for example, LOVE or FAMILY) - from 2500 - 4000 thousand rubles. A laser show for the ceremony will cost from 10 to 65 thousand rubles . Rental of retro garlands - from 1000 / piece (usually from 2 to 3 meters). Rent of a candelabra for 5 candles or more (metal) - from 600/day. Waterfall garland rental - from 800/day.

* the average cost of renting accessories was taken as of May 2018

Advice! If you have already decided on the host and DJ for the celebration, it is worth asking them whether lighting devices for the disco are included in the price. If not, then you should ask them about the possibility of renting them.

Position the light correctly

You can play with the placement of candles or candlesticks. For example, highlight the road to the banquet hall, mark the boundaries of the dance floor, lay out words or highlight the Candy bar.

Tree decoration

If the wedding is taking place outdoors, be sure to think about the decor of trees and bushes. An excellent option is to decorate trees with a scattering of small garlands of light bulbs or a mesh garland. You can highlight both the trunk and the branches.

Outdoor ceremony

An outdoor celebration does not limit the possibilities of using light to decorate the holiday area. If the wedding is planned on the shore of a lake, you can create an unforgettable composition from floating candles. Wedding designers advise organizing a recreation area near the water, where you can not only relax, but also take romantic wedding photos.

The place for the banquet table is decorated with hanging lanterns and garlands. A buffet table decorated with massive floor lamps and pendant lamps is also popular.

Ball lamps

Lately, globe lamps have become popular at weddings. During the day, they allow you to complement the color decor of the celebration. In the evening they serve as a source of light. They are good for banquet halls and dance floors.

How to decorate a room yourself

The most optimal and budget option would be to buy or rent the following set :

• 6 flood-colored floodlights with the ability to manually switch gamma;
• 1 waterfall garland;
• LED strip at least 1.5 - 2 meters long;
• Extension cords 3-5 meters (4 pieces).

Advice! Many LED spotlights and strips can be ordered from China via AliExpress. This will save a lot of money. But it is worth considering that parcels through this service take quite a long time. Plus, there is a risk of receiving a defective product (therefore, purchase only from trusted sellers).

The diagram below shows how to place these devices in a traditional rectangular banquet hall:

1. Six floodlights are placed symmetrically along two. The beam is directed at a slight angle along the wall;
2. The garland is hung on the backdrop behind the newlyweds’ table;
3. The LED strip is attached under the edge of the young couple’s table.

The photo below is an example of such decor (the walls are illuminated using spotlights):

Projectors

If you want more originality and symbolism, look for projectors that can be used to create inscriptions using light. And then it’s up to the imagination: what to write on the floor during the first dance, what inscriptions to “put” on the walls during competitions or toasts, etc.

Wedding lighting

Decorating a space with lighting can be an interesting solution and will effectively emphasize the special status of your event . Traditionally, it is believed that “wedding light” is several lighting devices that are brought and installed by the DJ for the upcoming disco.

In addition to disco lights, there are a great variety of different light sources that are used in decoration. What else can you decorate with light at a wedding reception:

• Walls and columns;
• Tables of guests and table of young people;
• Ceiling and floor;
• Cabinets;
• Screens and backdrops that are placed at the table for the young;
• Photo zone;
• Stage (podium);
• Supplement with thematic installations (for example, backlit letters);
• Order a separate light show or laser show.

A few tips if you decide to order turnkey lighting decor for a banquet hall:

• Be sure to look at the portfolio of the master or installer company, read the reviews;
• A good master decorator will definitely come to the site a few weeks before the wedding in order to draw up a plan for the placement of lighting decor in your presence;
• A good decorator will always select the optimal set of equipment for your budget, take into account the wishes of the couple regarding the color scheme of the evening , and give detailed recommendations on equipment;
• Enter into a written agreement , which will contain an approved scheme for the decor of the room;

What kind of light is there?

According to their purpose, lighting at a wedding can be divided into 3 categories :

1. Light for hall decoration
2. Disco light
3. Light for events (needed to highlight important moments in the evening program)

To decorate the hall

This includes all light sources that allow you to make the room more solemn , change its mood with the help of soft or bright colors.

• Fairy lights . As a rule, it is used in a waterfall format to decorate the screen behind the podium. Can also be used to decorate furniture and walls.
• Candles . The most effective and safest way is to decorate a photo zone with them.
• Floodlight or “Wash Light”. Usually it is installed on special columns and illuminates the ceiling, directed to the floor or from bottom to top along the wall.
• Illuminated letters . An original decorative element in retro style. They can effectively decorate a photo zone.
• Paper figures with lanterns or candles inside.
• Lanterns with candles.
• Incandescent light bulbs in loft style.
• Projections . Light and laser devices that project entire compositions and inscriptions onto the floor and walls.
• LED lighting . LED strips are great for lighting the podium, cabinets in the interior, stained glass windows, and steps.

With a skillful approach, all these light sources will look beautiful in the interior and will be an excellent addition during a photo shoot. And some traditional light sources, such as candles, incandescent lamps and garlands, will create a special spiritual atmosphere and comfort.

For events

Serves to highlight important stages in the evening program, to focus all attention on the characters - the host, the newlyweds and their first dance , a beautiful wedding cake, during a touching toast from friends.

• “Spot Light” spotlights (the light beam has a specific focus point on a specific scene or character, while the space around this area remains without lighting. At weddings it is used for the first dance of the newlyweds, when serving the wedding cake and other particularly important events).
• TV or projector (used to watch Love Story, video, photo).
• Fireworks . Typically used at the end of the evening.
• Sparklers . Their simultaneous lighting by all guests at the final part of the wedding evening looks impressive.

For disco

Perhaps the most important devices of the evening will be the disco devices . The lighting fixtures here serve as a good complement to the musical part of the program. Light music is designed to create a mood that allows everyone to relax and fully immerse themselves in the festive fun.

• Rotating heads.
• Lasers or a whole laser show.
• Stroboscopes (devices that produce rapid “flickering”, similar to short flashes from a camera).
• Spotlights.
• Ultraviolet , in which white items of clothing literally “glow”.
• Colorchangers and Scanners.
• Mirror ball

Glowing background

Numerous light bulbs in garlands or LEDs will allow you to create a whole background of luminous dots. They will look beautiful both in the decor of the hall and in the decoration of the photo zone and lounge.

Which color should I choose?

As a rule, the light in the banquet hall is selected based on the wedding color scheme chosen by the young people . If the wedding does not have a specific palette, the lighting is set based on the color of the walls in the restaurant.

Rarely do they use just one light in the backlight; most often it will be a combination of white (cold or warm) with contrasting bright colors or a smooth transition from white to delicate tones.

White

Traditional color for weddings . Clean, solemn, but at the same time calm. It is extremely rarely used separately, without adding other colors (with rare exceptions, for example, LED lighting of steps, table edges, cabinets). However, it is always the predominant color in the design of the halls.

Red

The color is very bright and aggressive. It must be diluted generously with white . The main rule when working with red is not to overdo it. You shouldn’t place it a lot and often when decorating a room. Too much red might just start to irritate your guests.

Pink

This color will work if you reduce the intensity of the red and add more highlights. The pink color does not put much pressure on the eyes and easily fits into any bright room. Pink and white are suitable for a romantic and calm-tempered couple .

Blue and cyan

Blue and dark blue are perfect for a “sea wedding” (you can additionally add diffused green to create a sea green color). However, even if you are not planning a marine theme, the combination of blue and white will look very harmonious.

White and blue are a combination of purity, confidence and maturity. A good solution for daring and confident newlyweds.

The blue color does not need to be diluted with white; it is very self-sufficient. Despite the fact that it is a cold color, in the context of a wedding it is interpreted as gentle and calm.

Green and yellow

Green. Light and pleasant color, symbolizing freshness, spring, warmth. Used both on its own and in combination with white.

Yellow is somewhat similar in temperament to red; it should also be used carefully and be sure to be mixed generously with white so that it does not seem harsh to guests. Extremely rare in design.

Violet, lilac and purple

These are the shades that are obtained by crossing the tones of blue with red. These are very popular combinations when decorating banquet halls . Most newlyweds choose a combination of white with one of the above shades.

This is a win-win, beautiful and practical solution. For example, purple combined with white always looks amazing. The color is captivating, it is not annoying and fits well into most interiors.

Various accessories

Choose original candlesticks or interestingly decorated candle stands. The wedding portal Svadebka.ws offers you many master classes on making similar accessories with your own hands (sparkling jars, candlesticks made of wood or threads, etc.).

Glowing letters

Modern technologies offer special accessories - letters with LEDs. They are suitable for decorating a gala banquet and photo shoot location. You can make a similar accessory from wood, aluminum and even paper using candles or LEDs.

3D mapping

Every year there is a festival of light where the architecture of the houses becomes part of the show. Light literally changes a house beyond recognition. This is 3D mapping.

It combines the functions of both aesthetic and functional lighting.

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3D mapping at a wedding is a video story broadcast onto your wedding cake, interior details, or even your wedding dress! The video sequence is thought out down to the seconds, so the preparation time is much longer than when using other artificial lighting.

WEDDYWOOD PARTNERS

Before your eyes, familiar objects can take on new forms and meanings. 3D mapping allows you to reveal the concept of the evening more fully and surprise your guests! It seems to transport guests from one reality to another without changing anything except the video projection.

This technology requires high ceilings to install the equipment. It's quite big. And there should be no obstacles in the space between the projector and the projection site.

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